Khalid, Imam seek Supreme Court bail in Delhi riots case

Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam have filed bail petitions in the Supreme Court in relation to their prosecution stemming from the February 2020 Delhi riots. The two have argued that the prolonged examination of protected witnesses makes their continued detention unreasonable, with witness depositions unlikely to be completed before January 2027.

The activists, who face charges under various sections including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, contend that the extended timeline for witness examination violates their fundamental rights. Their legal counsel submitted that the pace of trial proceedings does not justify their continued incarceration pending the completion of testimony.

Both Khalid and Imam have been at the centre of controversy surrounding the 2020 violence, which claimed dozens of lives and sparked nationwide debate on communal tensions and protest movements. The case has drawn significant public attention, with civil liberties groups monitoring the proceedings closely.

The Supreme Court's consideration of the bail applications comes as several other accused in Delhi riots cases have sought similar relief through higher courts. The apex court's decision is expected to set precedent for similar bail petitions pending in the matter.